Inspired Interview – Lex

As mentioned in my last blog – I am going to be rolling out some new projects. One of those projects is a life study of sorts. I free flowed with some interview questions, inspired by questions I’ve been asked myself in interviews. These are also questions I feel frame the voice of what information I want to showcase from the individuals I’m blogging about. The protein. All of these individuals, are just that, individual. They are inspired, living their truth and sharing it with the world. Like me. Sometimes everyone feels like it’s an uphill battle, and sometimes feel alone. The fellowship is there that helps light the path for dreams. We can be inspired by real people, heroes in every day life. These same questions are going to be the root of this project, and the participants – the leaves of a beautiful growth. I’m not editing their words either – this is the freedom in the flow of affirming this stuff. I’d love to start this project with Alexis Pellegrino, local musician, dance technician and swagger magician.

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*Cover Art (Listen)*

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Tell me about yourself in a few sentences.

I consider myself to be an appreciator, curator, and mostly….a creator of art. I don’t like to limit myself to a certain medium or style. I make music one day, paint another day, embellish a jacket in the morning, conduct a dance class at night for young adults, design graphics, design clothes. I am ALWAYS trying to learn and appreciate new things. I am inspired by everything. Currently, I’m working on my solo project, “Lex Rex and the Dragons”.

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What is the “why” behind your magic?

I’m not sure I know how to express myself any other way. I think I have an addiction to expressing myself.

Much like many people who express themselves through creative outlets, I had a pretty interesting childhood. I was terrorized in school. I like to skate and surf. As a kid I was ranked in the Eastern Surfing Association. I used to paddle out during the winter months and if you know anything about a full suit….you know having long hair is a pain. So, I chopped my hair off. Short cut, and I was absolutely a “tom boy”. I used to get made fun of for being “gay” and a “dyke”. Then my hair grew out, and I was made fun of for being expressive. I always dressed quirky. I’d paint my pants, paint my shoes, make t-shirts…..I guess I was pretty DIY punk at a young age…but I didn’t even know what that was at that age. I was just being me, really.

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How has your past influenced where you are now with your career?

Honestly, my past has both negative and positive influences on my career….but I am a firm believer of believing in the universe. I was very nervous to start making and doing music. It is the only thing safe to me. Gets me the highest. I was nervous to put it out in the atmosphere for some time. It was/is sacred to me and I didn’t want to be put down like I was in school.

In college I used to have night terrors, that I would never actually start making and doing music. So I said “Fuck it” I am going to do this, even if it is a slow process. I started playing the keys and doing some covers. posting them online. I was in a hair metal cover band for some time, then I decided I wasn’t being fulfilled by that. I started posting some covers more covers on Facebook and was getting really into the “scene” in Asbury. I started doing some small acoustic shows and here we are.

Every time I do a show, I do it and “pour some out” for the people who said I was nothing…..Thank you.

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What are two major things that you can’t be without on your day to day operations?

Well, in 2016 I would be absolutely lying if I said my phone wasn’t a big deal. I am inspired a lot by photographs online as well as daily things I come across in life. I am always taking pictures with my phone, as well as listening to music. I also really love to stay in contact with my friends and family. They are very supportive of me and I am always showing them love as well.

What is something that you learned only after you went for your goal, that you want to share with anyone shooting for theirs?

STAY TRUE TO WHAT YOU WANT, AND DON’T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT FITTING IN OR BEING LAME.

For SOOOO LONG, I tried to fit into the local scene. The rock that the local scene is doing isn’t exactly what fits me best. I grew up listening to Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Pop. That is where my music is focused now. That is me. Always be YOU!

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Where is the rush in this passion for you?

The rush isn’t exactly the finished product. It’s the foreplay. It’s the mental vision, the inspiration, the soul, the guts and glitter behind

what I am trying to convey. The finished product is usually never EXACTLY how you envision it….if you are lucky and work with the right people…..it’ll be better. But like I said, it’s about the process. The process is the sexiest part.

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What are the pitfalls?

The pitfalls are definitely just life in general…you know…the saying “Life Happens”. Your life happens, my life happens, the people you work with…their life happens. You have to trust the process though. We aren’t Interscope, we aren’t robots…..we are humans trying to make art, while living. Shit happens. In saying that, I am definitely what I call OD and absolutely OCD. I am always trying to make myself and the people around me challenge themselves and let the “babies” we make inspire them.

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How do you manifest things into reality?

Didn’t you see the Barbie Jeep I rolled in on? For real, I have one….her name is BJ.

Reality is a big thing for me. I understand every artist has an ego of sorts. I see some people in the scene with some REALLY BIG egos. I don’t ever want to take anything for granted, I don’t want to take people for granted, I don’t want to be a monster and treat people like shit. I believe in being firm…I don’t believe in being a dictator. I work with kids everyday. if you don’t humble yourself, they will humble you….and sometimes even if you humble yourself, they will still humble you. haha

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Where are you hoping to head next?

I am currently in the studio, looking to have a single drop for my project “Lex Rex and the Dragons” before November. I am also having an EP in the works as well as some videos happening. Super stoked for that. I am excited to just live in the process.

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Currently listening to?

I am absolutely a playlist kind of girl. I’ll rattle off some artists on my current playlist.

My dad is my biggest inspiration. He is arguably the reason I am a creative. He is a phenomenal Jazz musician. He still hustles teaching children and playing gigs. If i can be half the person my dad is, I’d be the happiest person.

Both of my parents are my best friends. I literally and figuratively wouldn’t be here without their love and support.

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What drew you to work with BethKaya?

I love to work with passionate people. Beth is a passionate person. I am always supporting her endeavors and cheering her on via social media. It is so refreshing to see someone who makes quality art, who is also the most positive, supportive, and absolutely energetic person. I am also super inspired by her accomplishments thus far as well as her work ethic and drive. She is building an empire. HOMEGIRL is NOT MESSIN ROUND. #womancrush.